COMMUNITY

Wakulla Station News

By VERNA BROCK

If you missed the Second Sunday Sing ‘n Supper at the Woodville U.M.C., you really missed a great time. It was an amazing performance of Bluegrass Gospel music, fun and entertaining, followed by a delicious dinner and fellowship. You are missing a guaranteed good time! Next month, September 10th, the Church will present Tracey and Jeannie Perez of St. Augustine. Mark your calendars, and plan to be there for a Spirit-filled evening.
What an interesting meeting last Monday evening, when hundreds of our fellow citizens gathered to participate in our democratic process. Well before 5 p.m. the BOCC chambers had standing-room only. The overflow crowd filled the front of the building to capacity in the 121 degree heat (this was the ACTUAL temperature measured on-site). Although there were several tents, an industrial sized fan and cold water bottles available, the heat was brutal.
After an hour and a half, the Board tabled the two items concerning changing the Comprehensive Plan and zoning of the site that would have a direct impact on Wakulla Springs. Now these items will be debated and voted on at a later time to be announced. The BOCC promised to hold the next meeting at the community center, which can accommodate a much larger crowd. Better late than never, I guess.
I know the readers are aware of the value of our world renowned gem, Wakulla Springs. Everyone knows how fragile the ecosystem that surrounds the karst system is. There has been a region-wide effort to heal and preserve the Springs. Afterall, the water that fills this miraculous treasure is also our drinking water. What we see at Wakulla Springs reflects what is happening to the Florida Aquifer. How long has it been since you could board a glass-bottomed boat? Not in this century, I’ll wager.
There are no excuses for approving a 16-pump gas station directly over the Wakulla Springs/River basin. Frankly, if there are some “state requirements” that prevent the county from protecting the Springs, I’d ask the BOCC to stand up for what is right and moral. The Springs, our water, and our children’s futures are worth the fight. I haven’t met a single person, left, right or indifferent, who thinks the proposed changes are smart, logical, or justifiable. EVERYONE expresses pure outrage at the notion.
If you are able, plan to attend the special meeting for these agenda items. Our elected representatives want, and need, your guidance as they vote an issue that will have an irreversible impact on the quality of life in Wakulla County. Come support the future of Wakulla County, our children and our grandchildren.
Please keep Clem Bunker in your prayers, as she recovers from Covid, along with several of her neighbors. The health department is seeing a surge in cases, as more and more people congregate indoors due to the excessive heat we are enduring. I understand the updated vaccine will be available in September, and Ed and I will be right there to get it.